REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 16, 2001:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT:
Mayor Frank Scafella, City Manager Dan Boroff, City Clerk Linda Little, Assistant to the City Manager Jeff Mikorski, City Attorney Steve Fanok, and Council Members Frank Salucci, Tom Bloom, Teresa Miller, Bill Byrne, Ronald Justice, Betty McClain.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the regular meeting on January 4, 2001 were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Scafella introduced Janna Kerns, Miss Morgantown, who is a WVU student, and hopes someday to work for the Ford Motor Company in Public Relations. Ms. Kerns stated that the Miss America Organization is the single largest source of scholarship assistance for women in the entire world, and the Miss Mon-Valley/Miss Morgantown Scholarship Program is a preliminary to the Miss West Virginia Pageant and the Miss America Scholarship Organization.
Mayor Scafella also mentioned that there will be an Emergency Blood Mobile on Thursday, January 18th from 11am to 3pm at the Senior Center on High Street.
Mayor Scafella presented a plaque to Tom Bloom to publicly thank and honor him for his great service to the City of Morgantown.
Mayor Scafella also presented a plaque to Tom Bloom from the City of Morgantown in Honor and Appreciation of his service as City Council Member 1987-2001 and also presented a key to the City.
Tom Arnold, Parking Authority Director, presented a Golden Boot to Tom Bloom for his service and dedication in serving on the Parking Authority Board for 13½ years.
Councilor Justice read a letter from Frank Ferrell, 26 Outlook Street. Councilor Justice read that, even though we did not always see eye to eye on certain issues, as time went on, I can honestly say that more often than not during the past few years, I was surprised at how frequently during discussion of certain issues, how much my views were very similar to Councilor Blooms and always found that you so often (due to the fact I only have three minutes to speak) brought up my concerns and thank you for that, and I sincerely will miss that in the immediate future.
PUBLIC HEARING-COMBINED WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THIRD READING OF THE COMBINED WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for third reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSIONS, ADDITIONS, BETTERMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATERWORKS PORTION OF THE EXISTING PUBLIC COMBINED WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AND THE FINANCING OF THE COST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED, THEREOF THROUGH THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF NOT MORE THAN $4,000,000 IN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF COMBINED WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2201 A (WEST VIRGINIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND); PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF AND SECURITY FOR THE REGISTERED OWNERS OF SUCH BONDS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS; APPROVING, RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING LOAN AGREEMENT RELATING TO SUCH BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND PROVIDING FOR THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUCH BONDS AND ADOPTING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING THERETO.
Motion by Salucci. Second by Justice to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
MORGANTOWN UTILITY BOARD:
Motion by acclamation to reappoint Joseph Camp to serve another five-year term.
TRANSIT AUTHORITY:
Motion by acclamation to reappoint Jenny Dinsmore to serve another three-year term as the City Appointment for the Transit Authority.
WARD & BOUNDARY COMMISSION:
Motion by acclamation to appoint Marca Paparozzi to serve in the 6th ward position for a two-year term.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Mike Corrigan, 22 Walnut Street, owner of Loving Furniture, thanked Council for their help and suggested that he is glad that Morgantown cares about the area and wants it to look nice. There are guidelines & codes for everything but, on the other hand, there are some businesses that have no rules to follow: there are buildings and apartments down by the River Front that need demolished; trash, weeds, abandoned appliances everywhere and no one seems to be doing anything. We have tried to be a good neighbor, and this is a historical district. We asked Council to pass some City Codes to keep our City from becoming a junk yard.
Don Spencer, 565 Harvard Avenue, speaking for First Things First, thanked Tom Bloom for his service on Council for so many years. Mr. Spencer presented the First Things First Committee report, their ideas of where we are and where we are going, called Five Years Later, and our relationship to the 20/20 Transportation Plan for Council to review.
Cindy Frich, speaking against the West Run Committee, thanked Council for letting the public address Council, but it can be frustrating when you do not get an answer until the end of the meeting and always get the last word. Ms. Frich commented that, at the last meeting, she asked the City Manager how much the City spent for the 20/20 Transportation Study and the answer was nothing. The reason that Council and the City are for building the West Run Expressway is that we spent all this money for this study, and many of you do not want to even listen to what the First Thing First Committee has to propose. Councilor Byrne commented at the last meeting it is not the source of the funding that matters, but that the experts were utilized and we should do what the experts say. The West Run Expressway now has a new name NR to 68; does that sound like a parkway? No, it sounds like an interstate from I-68 to I-79 going right through neighborhoods.
Danny Deem, 985 Vandalia Road, representing Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley, mentioned that Council will be making a decision this evening on a health plan for the City Employees. Mr. Deem asked Council to consider giving the health providers a chance by bidding out and searching for what is best health care for the employee and their families.
Missy Ball, 212 Dunkard Avenue, representing Partners Behind the Badge, voiced support of the PPO Plan to include physicals and immunizations. Ms. Ball questioned Council since there was no bidding process and asked if we getting the best health care plan for the money. She would like Council to look at a dual option package which would allow the employees to choose which plan they want.
Alice Wolfe, 125 Mountaineer Village, stated that last Wednesday, January 10th, she was towed from a downtown parking garage and the Parking Authority sent her to this meeting to appeal her issue. Ms. Wolfe stated that she does have a compact car and was parked in a compact car area, she does not feel she was in violation.
Councilor Bloom stated point of order so he could speak, and asked Ms. Wolfe did you not have a compact car, and did you have any back tickets?
Ms. Wolfe replied I have a 93-Geo Storm and I had no back tickets.
Councilor Bloom then advised Ms. Wolfe to meet with Councilor McClain after this evening's meeting to set up a meeting with the Parking Authority to resolve this problem.
John Duarte, 460 Grove Street, heard that Council passed an ordinance about garbage one year ago and yet every day as I go through Jones Avenue in Sunnyside -- there is garbage; I understand there is a task force, but seriously do not think anyone is trying to address this issue. Another issue is the lighting at the Riverfront Park; it is too bright and there are new methods of lighting for public parks in cities that the City should research.
Mayor Scafella responded to Mr. Duarte in saying that the garbage issue will be on the agenda for the COW Meeting.
Jim Gaston, Business Owner, 720 Powell Avenue, commented that he also agrees with Mr. Corrigan on the bleakness of the Beechurst/University Avenue area. Mr. Gaston stated that the grant proposal for the Clay Street area is magnificent, but will need more lighting than has been considered, especially in the Beechurst Area if you are going to put pedestrians there. Mr. Gaston remarked that in the newspaper, he read where the City was going to develop a safe bicycle lane downtown and this will eliminate some traffic downtown; I can't see how a bicycle lane will eliminate traffic. Mr. Gaston urged Council to look at the possibility that Beechurst be upgraded to help with the traffic problem.
Ed Sneckenberger, President Suncrest Neighborhood Association, 521 Woodhaven Drive, on January 18th, 1999; the City and County formed a West Run Expressway committee to gather more public input and facilitate those issues to the DOH. Mr. Sneckenberger stated that in the final summary to DOH written by Zane Shuck, recommendations from the public were negative of the West Run expressway and focused on making improvements on existing highways. 90% would rather improve existing highways then build a West Run Expressway.
Frank Ferrell, 26 Outlook Street, thanked Ron Justice for reading his letter to Tom Bloom, and wished Councilor Bloom the best of everything. Mr. Ferrell commented that he has been out of town and missed the meeting when goals and priorities were discussed for the 2001 Budget year. Mr. Ferrell requested that Council look at giving the citizens a tax break since it is because of the citizens that the city has been so prosperous, and why not a reduction in the fire fee, property tax levy rate, and possibly developing a user fee like Huntington, West Virginia.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
No report.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A LEASE WITH WESTOVER VEHICLE RENTALS AT THE AIRPORT: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN TO LEASE SPACE WITHIN THE MORGANTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TERMINAL
BUILDING TO WESTOVER VEHICLE RENTALS, LLC.
Motion by Bloom, second by Salucci to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF MEMORIALIZING HAZEL RUBY MCQUAIN PARK: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE MEMORIALIZING THE NAMING OF HAZEL RUBY MCQUAIN PARK.
After discussion, motion by Salucci, second by Byrne to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESSIBLE PATHWAYS, SIDEWALKS, CURBING AND OTHER PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS TO CLAY STREET AND THE REPLACEMENT OF BRICKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $661,900: The above Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
Motion by Miller, second by Justice to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BIKE LANE AND PEDESTRIAN SIDEWALK ALONG JERRY WEST BOULEVARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $315,000: The above Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
Motion by Byrne, second by Miller to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CONTRACT FOR THE GOVERNOR'S COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP GRANT ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY LIVING INITIATIVES CORPORATION: The above Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Salucci, second by Byrne to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
ITEM NO. 1:
The first attachment describes a new grant of $450,000 for the Morgantown Airport made possible by Senator Byrd. Based upon guidance from the FAA, the memo goes on to recommend that the funds be used for engineering design work to extend the main runway up to 1,000 feet, provide a contingency for possible cost overruns in the taxiway A extension project; and acquisition of a pick-up truck with special equipment. Based upon the strong feasibility of additional funds to construct the runway extension and the importance of the other two suggestions, I recommend that they all be adopted and the staff authorized to proceed.
After discussion, motion by Bloom, second by Byrne to approve the extension of taxiway A with the above grant monies made possible by Senator Byrd. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 2:
As previously discussed, the City is experiencing rapidly rising costs in its health insurance program. To mitigate the affects of these increases and to preserve the integrity/solvency of the program, and I recommend that the City contract with 4Most Integrated Health Network and Commercial Insurance Services to put in place a PPO program for the City. The significant points involved with this proposal are:
After discussion, motion by Byrne, second by McClain to approve the City Manager to secure a contract with 4Most Integrated Health Network and Commercial Insurance Services to put in place a PPO program for the City Employees. Motion carried 6-1. (Councilor Bloom voted NO).
ITEM NO. 3:
The WV Botanic Garden, Inc. is requesting $7,500 to be used as a match for an $85,000 grant application for Phase I development of the Tibbs Run Project. Based upon the merits of this one time proposal, I recommend that it be funded from the Capital Escrow Account.
Motion by Bloom, second by McClain to approve through the Capital Escrow Account $7,500 for Phase I development of Tibbs Run Project. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
No report.
STAFF ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Salucci: Councilor Salucci asked if the City could look at fixing the bricks on Wagner Road; the utility companies doing work there replaced them but they are coming up again, and wondered if the City Engineer could contact them to discuss how to place them back properly.
Councilor Salucci also asked if the City could repair the walk around Jack Roberts Park that has crumbled. Councilor Salucci also asked the City Manager to start looking into other health insurance coverage for the City and report back to Council on his findings.
City Manager Dan Boroff commented he will continue to monitor this and, as opportunities turn up, he will bring those to Council for their consideration.
Councilor Salucci then wished Councilor Bloom the best. "I am going to miss having you beside me and feel sorry for whomever takes your place, for they will have to put up with me."
Councilor Bloom: Councilor Bloom commented in reference to Mr. Duarte's comments earlier about garbage; "I just signed up for garbage at my new residence and found out how expensive it is, and how many more rules I now have as opposed to BFI and the City garbage. Once you see all the costs and rules, you realize what a good deal BFI is and how lucky the residents are to have this Council pulling for them, making sure they get the right service for the right cost. I commend this Council and know they will continue to work hard in serving the citizens as they know best." Councilor Bloom also thanked Tom Arnold and the Parking Authority for the Golden Boot --that was the best. Councilor Bloom also requested that Council consider Gary Pastoria as his replacement for the Second Ward. "I know he would serve in this position with integrity and honesty." Councilor Bloom then commented that he has served the citizens for 13 years and thanked the citizens for letting him do so. "And most importantly, thank my wife and my children for putting up with the late night calls and the extra work."
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller agreed with Mr. Corrigan's comments about the garbage and also agreed with Mr. Gaston about the lighting on Beechurst. Councilor Miller also wished Councilor Bloom and his family the best in his new home and be sure to have a smoke detector.
Councilor Justice: Councilor Justice requested increased police patrols on University Avenue for speeding. Councilor Justice also asked the City Manager to check into how much longer the utility company will have the streets torn up in downtown, merchants are concerned.
Councilor Justice requested to change the speed limit on Roosevelt Street to 10 miles. Councilor Justice also requested patrols on Charles Avenue for speeding and there is a need for some work on that road too. Councilor Justice asked the City Manager to check who owns the gravel alley on North Spruce Street; it is in need of repairs. Councilor Justice commended the BOPARC Board and the Selections committee and Denver Allen for the hard work on selecting the new Director for BOPARC and he also enjoyed serving on the Selections Committee.
Councilor Justice commented once again to Councilor Bloom, "best of luck to you and your family, and you will be missed."
Councilor Byrne: Councilor Byrne mentioned that he attended the Martin Luther King Breakfast, and feels this is a good time to mention that Council needs to revive the Human Rights Commission. Councilor Byrne reminded Council once again how important it is that the City push for hardwiring of smoke alarms in rental properties and also increase penalties for tampering with the alarms. Councilor Byrne complimented the First Things First Committee and how very positive it is to be working together on this issue. Councilor Byrne then stated to Councilor Bloom, "Thomas, it has been wonderful."
Councilor McClain: Councilor McClain also wished Councilor Bloom and his family the best in his new home. Councilor McClain also made a plug about the Burroughs Street sidewalks and the Aspen Street fence -- a job well done.
Mayor Scafella: Mayor Scafella mentioned that Mayor Edith Barill was instrumental in making the bikeway possible and she will truly be missed.
Mayor Scafella also stated that "I am retired and retirees in this City bring a lot to the community."
Mayor Scafella responded to Mr. Corrigan's comments; they were well taken and the City Manager will respond to him in working these problems out. Mayor Scafella mentioned that Mark Warner, Owner of McCoy 6 Apt., is here if anyone has a question about hard wiring the rental properties. Mayor Scafella suspended the rules to let Mr. Warner speak. Mr. Warner commented that he has been working with the Fire Department and all of this will be discussed at the February COW Meeting. Mayor Scafella explained that he realizes that Cindy Frich is frustrated about when we can comment but Council has to have formality at their meetings to move things along. It is not that we have to have the last word, but we must move through the meeting or we would be here all night. Mayor Scafella noted that with making sure we get factual information back and forth and we are accurate on our issues, we can move forward in working with the DOH on what needs to happen in our community in reference to the traffic issues.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business the meeting immediately adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor